Where Atlanta United Plays: Stadiums, Training Grounds, and How to Experience a Match in Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and asking, “Where does Atlanta United play?”, the short answer is:
- Home MLS matches: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta
- Training and some academy/second-team matches: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta
Below is a detailed, locally focused guide to where Atlanta United plays, how to get there, and what to expect on matchday.
Atlanta United’s Main Home: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
Atlanta United plays its home Major League Soccer (MLS) matches at:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
This is the large, retractable‑roof stadium in Downtown Atlanta, shared with the Atlanta Falcons.
Why Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Matters for Atlanta United Fans
For soccer fans in Atlanta, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is:
- The primary place to watch Atlanta United in person
- A central hub for supporter culture, tifos, and chants
- An indoor-friendly venue thanks to the retractable roof, which helps with hot summers and rainy days
You’ll typically see Atlanta United’s regular season, playoff, and many cup matches played here.
Where the Team Trains: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground
Atlanta United trains at a dedicated facility in Marietta, northwest of the city:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground
860 Franklin Rd SE
Marietta, GA 30067
This is not their primary matchday venue for the first team, but it’s where:
- The first team holds most training sessions
- Atlanta United 2 (the reserve team) may occasionally host closed‑door or special matches depending on scheduling
- Youth and academy activities are often based
Access is generally limited to team personnel, media, and invited guests, so most fans’ main in‑person experience is at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
Quick Reference: Where Atlanta United Plays
| Team / Activity | Main Venue Name | Location | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta United (MLS First Team) | Mercedes‑Benz Stadium | Downtown Atlanta | Home league & many cup matches |
| Training (First Team) | Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground | Marietta (Cobb County) | Practices, team operations |
| Academy & Development | Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground & other local fields | Metro Atlanta | Youth training, select matches |
Getting to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium from Around Atlanta
By MARTA 🚆
For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach a match:
- Take the Blue or Green line to GWCC/CNN Center Station – this is the closest stop to the stadium’s main entrances.
- You can also use Vine City Station (often less crowded) on the same lines, which drops you near the west side of the stadium.
If you’re coming from neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or Sandy Springs, you can:
- Ride the Red or Gold line to Five Points
- Transfer to the Blue or Green line heading west
- Exit at GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City
By Car 🚗
If you’re driving from within metro Atlanta:
- Expect heavy traffic on matchday, especially near Downtown, the Connector (I‑75/85), and I‑20.
- There are numerous paid parking lots and decks around the stadium, some of which can be pre‑booked through common event parking platforms.
Neighborhood‑level tips:
- From Buckhead: Most drivers take Peachtree Rd south toward Midtown, then merge onto I‑85/75 South, exiting near the stadium.
- From West Midtown / Upper Westside: Many locals prefer using Northside Dr to avoid some interstate congestion.
- From Decatur / East Atlanta: The I‑20 West approach is common, merging into Downtown near the stadium exits.
If you’d rather not park right by the stadium, some fans park near a MARTA station (e.g., Lindbergh, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, Sandy Springs, College Park) and ride the train in.
By Rideshare or Taxi
Rideshare pick‑up and drop‑off zones are usually clearly marked around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on matchday. These zones may shift slightly over time, but they are typically located along surrounding streets such as Northside Dr NW and near the Georgia World Congress Center area.
What to Expect at an Atlanta United Match in Atlanta
The Matchday Atmosphere
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, a home match is as much about the atmosphere as the game:
- The Supporters’ Section, anchored by groups like Terminus Legion, is typically located behind one of the goals and is standing‑only, with constant chanting and drumming.
- Pre‑game you’ll often find fan plazas, music, and activities in and around the stadium complex.
- If the roof is closed, the noise level can be intense, which many fans consider part of the unique experience.
Seating & Viewing
Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, you’ll find:
- Lower bowl sideline seats: Closer to the field, popular for families and casual fans
- Supporters’ end: Loudest, most energetic section, designed for standing and singing
- Upper levels: Often more budget‑friendly while still offering good views of the entire pitch
If you live nearby and plan to attend many matches, many locals look for seats that:
- Offer shade or roof coverage, especially in hotter months
- Provide easier access to concourses and restrooms for kids or older family members
When Atlanta United Plays in Atlanta
MLS Regular Season
The MLS season usually runs from late winter or early spring through fall. Home matches at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium are typically:
- In the afternoons or evenings on weekends
- Occasionally midweek night games
If you’re planning to attend, locals commonly:
- Check the full season schedule ahead of time
- Look specifically for home matches labeled “vs” with “ATL” as the home team
Playoffs and Cup Matches
If Atlanta United qualifies for the MLS Cup Playoffs or plays in domestic cup competitions, those matches are also typically hosted at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium when Atlanta is the designated home team.
Atlanta United 2 and Other Local Matches
Atlanta United’s reserve side, Atlanta United 2, plays in lower‑division competition. Their home venues have changed over time within the metro area.
Depending on the current season, matches may be hosted at:
- Soccer‑specific venues in or near metro Atlanta
- Occasionally at larger stadiums when schedule and logistics allow
For Atlanta residents who want more frequent, often lower‑cost soccer experiences, checking where Atlanta United 2 is currently playing can be a good option. But for the main “Where does Atlanta United play?” question, the answer most people care about is still Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Attending Their First Match
1. Plan your route early
Matchday traffic around Downtown, Castleberry Hill, and the Connector can be heavy. Many locals leave 60–90 minutes early, especially for weekend games.
2. Use MARTA if you’re staying in-town
If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA can be faster and simpler than driving and parking.
3. Check stadium policies in advance
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium has policies on clear bags, prohibited items, and entry procedures. Reviewing these before you leave can prevent delays at the gate.
4. Arrive in time for pre‑game
The player walkout, anthems, and supporter tifo displays are a major part of the Atlanta United experience and are worth seeing live.
Key Takeaways for “Where Does Atlanta United Play?” in Atlanta
Primary home stadium:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
This is where you’ll go to watch most Atlanta United matches in person.Training & development base:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, 860 Franklin Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067
This is where the team trains and where much of the club’s behind‑the‑scenes work happens.For most fans in Atlanta:
When you’re planning your matchday, think Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Downtown, reachable by MARTA, car, or rideshare, with a lively, loud soccer atmosphere that has become a major part of the city’s sports identity.
